Ste. Genevieve Memorial Cemetery, established in 1787 and home to the earliest documented burial in 1793, is the oldest cemetery in Ste. Genevieve and Missouri’s oldest immigrant burial ground. As the only cemetery within the early village, it served all residents regardless of wealth, race, or religious background and is the final resting place of many individuals associated with what is now Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park. While prominent families such as the Valle, Bauvais, Janis, and Amoureux families are memorialized with permanent stone markers, most early habitants were buried with wooden crosses that deteriorated over time, leaving an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 unmarked graves across the cemetery grounds.
Today, the Foundation for the Restoration of Ste. Genevieve partners with the City of Ste. Genevieve to preserve and protect this significant heritage site. Restoration efforts include repairing stone walls and fencing, improving landscaping, stabilizing and documenting gravestones and monuments, and implementing a comprehensive tree management program with guidance from Davey Resource Group and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Supported by grants, community partners, and volunteers, Memorial Cemetery is now a greatly improved, publicly accessible heritage site and designated bird sanctuary that honors the community’s earliest residents while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Get more information, including a cemetery guide and restoration and preservation analysis, from The Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve's Memorial Cemetery page.